Kariba is famous for being the world’s largest man made lake, but there is more to it than being a gigantic lake, and being a source of hydroelectricity. Kariba is a stunning tourist attraction which must be part of every traveller’s bucket list! So we feature Kariba, to give you an idea of what you can do when in Kariba to enjoy the priceless experiences it offers. 

Kariba Dam

The Kariba dam is jointly owned by Zimbabwe and Zambia, it is such a stunning feature, it’s sheer size demonstrates human engineering and construction at its best. The dam wall can be viewed from the Observation Point, a hill which gives a vantage point to watch the dam wall. 

The dam can also be accessed, however this is done through immigration, where you are given a visitor’s pass and allowed to walk over the dam and cross to the Zambian side too. This is the best way of experiencing the dam.

Sometimes the floodgates are opened for purposes of easing pressure on the dam structure and it is a spectacular view to watch the gallons of water make a huge spray. 

Fishing

Lake Kariba is a great spot for fishing, it carries a wide variety of fish species including the bream, tiger fish, and the Vundu. Professional fishing tournaments are held here, but also amateur fishers can also enjoy fishing in Kariba. You can hire a houseboat for overnight fishing, or can get a boat for fishing during the day. It’s also a good experience to sit on the banks of the Zambezi with you cooler box,  and fishing lines, but be cautious of crocodiles and hippos. 

Boat Cruising

Kariba has a lot of boats to enjoy, and they offer different experiences based on the features they possess. You can hire a boat in Kariba and go for a cruise on the Zambezi River. It’s an experience you should never leave Kariba without doing. Sunset cruises are one of the most popular experiences, where you explore the lake and catch the beautiful view of Kariba sunsets from a boat. 

Those with a desire for heart pumping activities can hire speedboats, and speed on the Zambezi River. 

Always make sure you have your life jacket on, or close to you, and listen to the instructions of your captain when on a cruise.

Sleeping in a Boathouse

Available in Kariba are boathouses which offer you an experience of sleeping in one. There are self catering options and fully catered ones where you have a chef on board serving you. You will cruise to an island, dock there for the whole night, and return in the morning.  This is a great experience, you can watch the stars, the lake at night, and also wake up to the beautiful sunrise from the houseboat.

Game Drive 

Kariba also has wildlife to experience, so you can book for a game drive, take a drive and encounter wildlife. You are likely to spot the elephant, zebra, giraffe, buffalo, impalas, hippos, lions and many other game. Experience game drive operators will advise you on the best times to go out, as well take you the best places where you can get good views. Game drives are not only about looking for game, but that experience of being in the wild and unfamiliar territory which brings thrill. 

Town Drive

Kariba is a beautiful town, you can drive around to meet the locals, and can drive uphill to get another experience of the Kariba town. There are also night life spots, clubs where you can dance and have some good time with your company. Also as you go around the town, you’ll get the opportunity to buy fish, at very good prices. You can get fresh fish, smoked fish and dried fish on sale. 

St. Barbara Chapel

A marvelous piece of architecture located on the Kariba Heights, is the church of St Barbara. It was built by the Italian firm which was contracted to build the Kariba Dam wall in memory of those who had lost their lives during the construction process. The names of the 84 people who passed on are written on a marble plaque inside the church.

The church’s open air design is of architectural genius, one of the church bells here was hand crafted by one of the workers part of the Kariba construction. It is accessible to everyone at no fee, a custodian will open the doors and show you around as well as give you some historical explanations.  

Nearby the church is a viewpoint which gives you a panoramic view of the lake. 

Curio Shopping

It’s never enough to visit Kariba and leave without buying yourself some curios. You’ll find lots do beautiful craft works by the local people. In their art they tell stories about their lives, culture, beliefs and traditions. Shopping for souvenirs is also a great opportunity to interact with the local folk who always give warm hospitality and good cheer.

One of the best curio shops is found at the Kariba Heights where lots of craft works are available on sale. At this point is also the Operation Noah Memorial, a site where the Operation Noah, a wildlife rescue effort which happened in the 1950s after water levels had risen due to the closure of the floodgates and many animals were stranded, and some flooded. Led by Rupert Fothergill, thousands of animals were rescued with very little resources but courage and bravery, hence the commemoration of their sacrifice. Some of the wildlife which was rescued was relocated to Matusadona National Park.

Kariba Sunsets

Fewer things are as amazing and charming as the sunsets in Kariba. The sunset is really worth waiting for. A good sunset idea would be to have a sundowner with your beloved ones sharing happy moments. 

The legend of Nyaminyami 

Before the construction of the Kariba dam, the area which is now Kariba was home to the BaTonga people. They believed in the existence of a river god which was in the form of a snake, and was responsible for their fortunes. In times of famine, the Nyaminyami would appear and they would cut pieces of meat from it to and survive the famine. It’s said that when the construction of the Kariba dam began, Nyaminyami’s was separated from his wife which was on the other side of the dam wall. In anger, it crushed the dam which led to the disaster which killed 86 people. That was not enough to unite the two. So even up until now, the Nyaminyami sometimes shakes the dam, causing tremors. The BaTonga believe that one day Nyaminyami and his partner will be united and live happily ever after. 

You will see a lot of carvings and paintings featuring the Nyaminyami in Kariba, it is very popular here. 

Travel Advice

Accommodation is plenty. There is a hotel,  a lot of lodges, and chalets all of which provide accommodation services which suit different needs. 

We can help you get good  accommodation deals from our accomodation partners in Kariba!

Kariba is hot, you need to have appropriate clothing so that you won’t be uncomfortable because of the heat. Carry a lot of water to drink too as you can easily dehydrate. 

Human wildlife conflict is real in Kariba, animals can encroach into human habitations. So always leave your home and your car doors locked. If camping, always make sure that you campsite is kept secure. Baboons and monkeys are the biggest culprits, they will always be around searching for food. 

Kariba is a good place to be, and we wish you a great travel experience. 

Contact us for upcoming curated travel experiences.  

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